FCM'S BIG CITY MAYORS´ CAUCUS (BCMC)
WHISTLER, THURSDAY JUNE 4

FCM´S 72ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WHISTLER, JUNE 5 – 8

OTTAWA, May 20, 2009 — More than 1,700 elected municipal officials from across Canada will gather in Whistler, B.C. at the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, from June 5 - 8 for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) 72nd Annual Conference and Municipal ExpoTM.

Thursday, June 4 — FCM Big City Mayors´ Caucus (BCMC)

Kicking off the FCM annual conference is FCM's Big City Mayors' Caucus (BCMC), comprised of the mayors from Canada´s 22 largest cities.  BCMC will meet in Whistler on June 4, one day prior to the opening of the FCM annual conference. This caucus often sets the tone for the entire conference. The mayors will hold a media conference at 11:30 a.m. (BC time).

Friday, June 5 – Monday, June 8:  FCM Annual Conference

Municipal delegates will be updated on the federal infrastructure stimulus funding plan, and the implications for municipalities in the aftermath of the current economic downturn.

Delegates will hear from Canada´s national political leaders and their visions on how they will make Canada´s cities and communities economically viable in the long-term — all within the backdrop of a looming federal election.

Confirmed to date:

• Hon. John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
• Michael Ignattieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
• Hon. Jack Layton, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada
• Hon. Beverley J.  Oda, Minister of International Cooperation

The insights gained from federal leaders will further inform discussions of FCM regional caucus meetings, standing committee policy forums, and resolutions session which inform FCM´s policy and advocacy direction for the coming year.

FCM's 72nd Annual Conference is also an information-sharing and professional development opportunity.  Delegates will participate in a range of workshops and seminars on pressing local challenges and priorities, including pandemic planning, climate change, affordable housing, and brownfields redevelopment.

Study tours will highlight Whistler´s expertise and achievements, such as its composting and water treatment plant, public library and the Olympic sport venues, among others.

The second annual breakfast to raise funds for FCM´s scholarship for college and university students, with a focus on increasing women´s participation in municipal government, will be a feature of the four-day conference.

More than 108 municipal suppliers will be on hand at the FCM´s Municipal ExpoTM trade show, demonstrating ways to save costs, streamline operations and enhance municipal service delivery.

The annual conference is also the occasion to recognize communities and individuals during the FCM Awards of Excellence ceremony. This year´s presentation will feature eight FCM-CH2M HILL Sustainable Community Awards and four Awards for Outstanding International Volunteer Contribution.

And finally, the AGM will see the election of a new FCM president and 2009-2010 executive committee. 

Join more than 1,700 municipal leaders from across Canada for the most significant gathering and discussion forum for municipal sector issues — FCM'S 72nd Annual Conference and Municipal ExpoTM.

The preliminary conference program may be viewed and downloaded at www.fcm.ca — click on the FCM Whistler 09 icon. 

Media Accreditation

The media room will be located in Wedgemount Room of the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre.  Please note that professional identification or an assignment letter will be required to obtain accreditation.

Media Participation

Media are welcome to attend the keynote plenaries by national political leaders, seminars, workshops, Resolution sessions, and standing committees listed in the Conference Program, Breakfast Awards Event/Scholarship — Increasing Women´s Participation in Municipal Government, Municipal ExpoTM and International/Sustainable Development Awards Ceremony.

The BCMC meeting and the FCM Annual General Meeting are held in camera.  Interviews with key spokespeople will be coordinated following each event.

Technical Note to Broadcasters

Whistler is equipped with fiber-optic feedboxes to enable transmission of live or prepared pieces, with pay-per minute service provided by Telus. Satellite trucks are not permitted in Whistler Village.

About the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. With more than 1,775 members, FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 18 provincial and territorial municipal associations that encompass 90 per cent of the Canadian population.

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For further information, contact Maurice Gingues, (613) 907-6395 / mgingues@fcm.ca